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Male infertility is present in up to half of infertile couples. Conditions range from low sperm count, or no sperm, to disorders in they way the sperm swim or in their shape. The semen analysis is one of the most important fertility tests and must be done before any treatment of the female begins.
In situations where the urologist concludes that the quality
or quantity of the sperm cannot be significantly improved, specific
treatments can be offered such as intrauterine insemination
of the partner's sperm (IUI), donor insemination or in
vitro fertilization (IVF).
Fortunately, even men with no visible sperm in the ejaculate can father children. The sperm can be withdrawn directly from the testicles or other areas of the reproductive tract. This single sperm is inserted directly into the egg using ICSI with IVF.
There is some evidence that male fertility may be improved by
taking over the counter medications-vitamins and antioxidants.
The research on this issue is inconclusive. A combination of
these over-the-counter drugs, that does no harm, and may improve
male fertility includes: a multivitamin with zinc (without iron),
Vitamin C 500 mg, Vitamin E 400 mg, and selenium 10 micrograms.
Even men with "normal" sperm counts may benefit. This
treatment is inexpensive-a few dollars a month and can easily
be purchased at nutrition stores.
Proxeed is a product containing L-carnitine and acetlycarnitine that may help with male infertility .
Supplementing these in men with low sperm numbers or low motility
has been shown to improve pregnancy rates. It costs about $100
per month (www.proxeed.com).
Another more complicated formulation for men is called “Male Fertility.” It contains vitamins, minerals, L-carnitine and more-some amino acids (the building blocks of protein) that have long been thought to be responsible for improving sperm movement. Medical research on this product is promising, but incomplete at this time and it is more costly than the regimen above. "Male Fertility" can be purchased by calling 877-237-3748 or by visiting their website at www.coastreproductive.com.
Fertile One is another similar product and can be purchased by calling 800-424-9002 and their website is www.ivpcare.com.
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